Vision First LIDAR Tracking Moving Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face trade-offs in speed, resolution, power consumption, and computation when measuring distance to a targeted object, particularly in tracking moving objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vision-first LIDAR system that uses an image sensor to capture and track objects, predicting their movement and directing a tracking beam to determine distance using a beam scanner and distance sensor, allowing continuous measurement even as the object moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a raster scan or full field of view illumination is used to generate a depth map, then the entire area can be measured, but the system requires high power consumption and extensive computation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by directing the laser beam only to the specific region containing the target object rather than illuminating the entire field of view. The image sensor identifies target location and the control system directs the laser beam to that specific location, making the measurement process localized and energy-efficient while maintaining accurate distance measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a raster scan method is used to cover the full field of view, then complete area coverage is achieved, but the measurement speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using the image sensor to capture and identify the target object's location before directing the laser beam for distance measurement. This preliminary visual identification eliminates the need for systematic raster scanning, allowing the system to quickly locate and measure the target, thereby improving measurement speed while maintaining depth map accuracy.
3Reliability
If the beam scanner continuously scans the full field of view to track moving objects, then tracking capability is maintained, but the system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously capturing images with the image sensor to monitor target object movement and using this information to adjust the laser beam direction in real-time. The control system receives target position feedback from image analysis and dynamically directs the laser beam to track the moving target, maintaining reliable tracking capability while reducing system complexity compared to continuous full-field scanning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and accurate distance measurement of moving objects with improved resolution and reduced power consumption by focusing on image processing and beam directionality, avoiding the need for extensive camera movement and high-performance lens assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor to detect and track the targeted object
Implementation Method 2
a distance sensor including a tracking beam emitter and a photo detector to measure the distance to the targeted object
Implementation Method 3
The distance to the targeted object is determined by the distance sensor by detecting a portion of the tracking beam after the tracking beam is reflected from the targeted object
Implementation Method 4
the beam scanner of the vision first LIDAR system is a 2D galvanometer mirror or a 2D microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror
Implementation Method 5
the beam scanner of the vision first LIDAR system is a 2D galvanometer mirror or a 2D microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A vision first light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system captures an image including a targeted object and uses the image to determine a predicted location of the targeted object. Based on the predicted location, the vision first LIDAR system directs a tracking beam onto the targeted object and detects a portion of the tracking beam reflected by the targeted object. The vision first LIDAR system includes an image sensor to capture the image for predicting the location of the targeted object and includes a distance sensor to determine a distance to the targeted object using the tracking beam.